The one who has faith (śraddhā), who is devoted to it, and who has mastered the senses, attains knowledge. Having attained knowledge, one quickly reaches supreme peace.
Synthesis
One who has faith, is devoted, and has mastered the senses attains supreme peace. The Advaita tradition sees the three pillars of the qualified student. Ramanuja emphasizes faith in God's teaching. The Bhakti tradition values heartfelt devotion as catalyst. Madhvacharya teaches all three address different obstacles. Abhinavagupta sees faith as recognition, devotion as contemplation, sense mastery as withdrawing attention. Vallabhacharya teaches faith opens the heart. Tilak emphasizes practical cultivability. Vivekananda sees universal prerequisites for achievement.
Commentaries 8 traditions
Shankara identifies three qualifications: śraddhā (faith in the teaching and teacher), tatparaḥ (single-pointed dedication), and saṃyatendriyaḥ (mastery over the senses). When all three are present, knowledge arises naturally and supreme peace (parā śānti) — which is liberation — follows quickly.
Apply This Verse
Personal Growth
Three ingredients for genuine transformation: faith (belief that change is possible), dedication (sustained commitment), and self-discipline (control over impulses). When all three align, growth happens rapidly and peace follows.
Questions this verse answers
- ?"Do I have genuine faith that transformation is possible for me?"
- ?"Am I truly dedicated or just casually interested?"
- ?"What role does self-discipline play in achieving inner peace?"
- ?"How do faith, dedication, and discipline work together?"